Marine Corps Center for Learning and Faculty Development (MCCLFD)

Reflection Post #4 The Power of a Sticky Note! Spoiler alert: They’re not just paper. They’re a force multiplier for: ? Learning ? Collaboration ? Design ? Inclusion ? At MCCLFD, we used sticky notes to build an executive-level leadership course in under 48 hours. Here’s how we pulled it off: ?? Brainstormed ideas—freely, no limits ?? Mapped out student-centered activities ?? Structured the entire learning journey by moving and grouping notes until it just clicked By the end? A complete, learner-driven course—created with sticky notes. ? But sticky notes don’t just design our courses— We use them in our courses, too. Enter: Silent Chalk Talks (No talking. Just thinking. Just writing.) This gives EVERY learner a voice. Especially the quiet ones. Especially the introverts. Especially those who are always overpowered by louder voices in the room. Sticky notes make it safe to share. They make thinking visible. They make learning inclusive. ? Science says: The more senses involved, the more we learn. Sticky notes activate: ?? Sight (colors + layout) ? Touch (physically moving ideas) ?? Cognition (making sense of it all) That’s multisensory learning in action. And for facilitators? Sticky notes are a peek behind the curtain. They show us how learners are thinking—so we know when and where to step in. ? Are they everywhere in my life? Oh yes. They’re on my office walls. On my kitchen counters. On the fridge. My wife thinks I should just invest in Post-it stock at this point. ? Now—some folks visit our space and say: “This looks unprofessional.” My response? That’s outdated, industrial-era thinking. Because let’s be real: Learning is messy. And if sticky notes aren’t part of your classroom or learning spaces… It might be time to rethink your approach. ? What’s the most unconventional way you’ve used sticky notes? Drop your story below. ?? (Pictures welcome!)

Facilitator Friday! From the Battlefield to the Classroom and Back ? Meet MSgt Christopher Sevigny the SNCOIC of MCCLFD East.? ? As a career infantry unit leader turned facilitator, I’ve dedicated my time and energy to one mission: training and education that prepares Marines for the fight ahead. ? With Force Design 2030 reshaping how we operate?and concepts like EABO demanding more agile, adaptive leaders, our?teaching methods must evolve. We can’t just deliver content; we have to create thinking warfighters. ? One of the most impactful tools I’ve used is educational wargaming. It's not just about tactics—it's about the human element: decision-making under pressure, learning through failure, and facing a living, thinking opponent across cooperation, competition, and conflict. If you’re a Schoolhouse facilitator or involved in PME, I highly encourage you to check out our offerings at MCCLFD. Courses like FLEX and DLEX?are designed to challenge your assumptions and sharpen your skills in the classroom—so you can build the kind of learning experiences that stick. ? Let's lead the change in how we train the force. If you're ready, we're here to support you. ? #MarineCorps #MilitaryEducation #FacilitatorDevelopment #Warfighting #ForceDesign2030 #EducationalWargaming #EABO #ProfessionalMilitaryEducation #TrainTheTrainer #MCCLFD

?? We're Hiring on Camp Lejeune! ?? Help us spread the word by sharing this exciting opportunity with your network: https://lnkd.in/g92EWnUE Wait… isn't there a hiring freeze? ?? Yes, there is! However, we are still able to release certification lists, which means we can interview and select candidates. The hiring process will pause until the freeze is lifted, at which point we can move forward with bringing top talent on board to our team. Thank you for your continued support! ?? #Hiring #Recruiting #JobOpening #JoinOurTeam #TalentSearch #USMC

?? What is Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and How Does it Make Marines Better Warfighters? Greetings Warfighters and Warfighting Enthusiasts! I'm J. Paul Johnson, the Problem-Based Learning Experience Training Specialist for the Marine Corps Center for Learning and Faculty Development-East. After serving 24 years in the Marine Corps, my passion for developing the best ways to train our Marines is still on point. The role I serve in allows me to take that passion, along with my experience and education, and develop strategies to improve critical thinking and decision-making for our Marines and Sailors. ?? That's where PBL comes in. Instead of passive learning, we drop Marines into realistic scenarios that force them to think critically and make tough decisions under pressure – simulating what they would face in real-world operations. Here's how it works: ? Realistic Scenarios: We use case studies, wargames, and leadership reaction courses to simulate the complexity of actual missions. ? Active Learning: Marines take charge of their learning by analyzing information, evaluating options, and making decisions as a team. ? Developing Key Skills: This process hones crucial skills like: Critical Thinking: Analyzing situations from multiple angles and forming sound judgments. Decision Making: Making timely and informed choices, even with limited information. Adaptability: Adjusting plans on the fly as new challenges arise. Communication: Working effectively within a team to solve problems. ? Examples of PBL in action: ? Decision-Based Exercises (Case Studies/TDG’s/ODG’s): Marines analyze complex situations and make tough calls, just like they would in the field. ? Educational Wargaming: Helps improve understanding, decision-making skills, collaboration, strategic thinking, and critical thinking. The focus is on the lessons learned during the experience and developing the learners’ abilities through experiential learning. Feedback and reflection are key to the desired outcome. ? Leadership Reaction Courses: Overcoming physical and mental obstacles as a team, under pressure, and with limited resources. ? The Bottom Line: PBL creates Marines who are not only technically skilled but also possess the critical thinking, adaptability, and decision-making abilities needed to succeed in the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare. ? Now, I want to hear from you! What are YOUR experiences with Problem-Based Learning? ? Follow and Like the #Marine Corps Center for Learning and Faculty(MCCLFD) Development page for more on PBL and a plethora of other educational strategies. ? BOLO: Monthly Newsletters from the Problem Based Learning Specialists and features on strategies for developing your skills are on the way! ? *Contact one of the Problem Based Learning Specialists that is closest to you J. Paul Johnson, Office (910) 450-0801, MCCLFD Det East, Camp Lejeune, NC Shaun Doyle, Office (760) 763-5959, MCCLFD Det West, Camp Pendleton, CA

Curriculum Evolution: From Curriculum Developers Course (CDC) to Design Learning Experiences (DLEX) ??MCCLFD has refined the DLEX course based on direct feedback, resulting in a powerful second iteration!?By incorporating a hypothetical scenario and focusing on common Marine Corps skills, we've created a truly problem-centered learning environment. ? ???This iteration of the DLEX shifts the focus from Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)-specific tasks to universal Marine Corps skills.?This allows students to truly grasp the core concepts of curriculum design, utilizing the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) process, without getting bogged down in specialized knowledge. The result? Even those new to curriculum development experience rapid understanding and success. ? ?? We're putting the finishing touches on our Phase I and Phase II Moodle modules, providing comprehensive online support for the resident portion of the course. These modules guide students through each phase of the ADDIE process, enabling them to effectively analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate training materials. ? ??Our most recent week one of the DLEX course was packed with information, yet every student experienced that satisfying "Aha!" moment. Our "trust the process" approach paid off, with graduates leaving equipped to update their Master Lesson File (MLF) and a newfound appreciation for the foundational work covered. ? Direct feedback from students confirmed we hit the mark: "You're giving the schools exactly what they need." This kind of feedback validates our efforts and highlights the positive impact of this revamped Program of Instruction (POI). ? ???What curriculum change has had the biggest impact on your learning??Share your experiences! #USMC #MCCLFD #TrainingCommand #TECOM #ADDIE #InstructionalDesign

Our nation's next fight will require Marines who are mature, cognitively agile problem solvers and decision makers. Maneuverists who can do their jobs faster than we do now. The Marines and civilians at Marine Corps Center for Learning and Faculty Development (MCCLFD) are leading the way in this endeavor by transitioning the Marine Corps' training and education continuum from instructor-based lecturing, to active, innovated, student-centered learning. They are equipping Marine instructors with the tools they need to fully embrace 21st Century Learning and thereby ensuring that we are preparing our Marines to be more lethal by fully utilizing their most powerful weapon: their minds. (United States Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Paul Kalogeris)

I'm Back from SxSW EDU—Let’s Talk About Changing How We Learn!! (A Post by the Detachment West, Officer in Charge Eric Dios) I Just wrapped up my second year at?SxSW EDU, and I’m leaving with even more motivation (and a longer to-do list) than last time. A few things hit hard this year: ???AI is seemingly everywhere?in education. Not just as a tool for students, but for instructors and instructional designers, too. The big question isn’t?if?we should use AI, but maybe?how much is too much??At what point does AI help and when is it doing too much of the thinking for us? ???Breaking out of the Industrial Model of education?is?really?hard!! Whether it's K-12, higher ed or military training, we all struggle with the same problem: our "systems" weren’t exactly built for modern learning. In the Marine Corps, we truly desire modernization and student centricity but if the system isn’t built to support change, even the best ideas can hit a wall. ???Failure is a feature of understanding, not a bug.?Some of the most interesting sessions focused on?productive failure—the idea that people learn best when they struggle, fail and are able to reflect. It really made me think:?Do we actually give Marines enough room to fail in training?or are we so focused on efficiency and getting them to the FMF that we leave no space for real learning? So where does this leave us? For me, it’s a renewed focus on?bringing AI into the classroom in a way that actually enhances learning, pushing for student-centric training methods and making room for experimentation in how we teach.?MCCLFD has an opportunity to lead on this—but we have to be willing to continue to step outside the traditional playbook of military instruction. I'm still reflecting a ton, but I’d love to hear thoughts—how are you seeing AI, student-centered learning or failure as a feature of training and education play out in your context? #SxSWEDU #MilitaryEducation #AIinLearning #ProfessionalMilitaryEducation #Modernization #LifelongLearning #TECOM #MCCLFD

PACER FORGE Provisional is here—57 hours of intensified training designed to build Airminded Warfighters. ?? From small-team collaboration to real-world deployment scenarios, trainees are taking readiness to the next level! Full article: https://lnkd.in/dcvBc-rc

Fantastic Post from our Eastern Detachment’s Officer in Charge!!

Another new series from MCCLFD! Staff and Faculty Development Wednesday ???The Master Facilitator Certificate Program ? ?? The Challenge: Facilitators often struggle to maintain high levels of engagement in training environments, leading to passive learning and reduced retention. The challenge is to create dynamic, interactive sessions that capture attention, build connections, and enhance the overall learning experience. ? ?? How It Worked for us!?In February, MCCLFD facilitators attended Training Magazine’s-Training Conference 2025, including two Pre-Conference Training Certification Programs. A key experience was the Master Facilitator Certificate Program, where facilitators explored The Science of Engagement with Sardek Love. The program focused on three essential components: 1. Attention –?Using novelty (e.g., music, movement) to capture focus and spark curiosity. 2. Connection –?Strengthening relationships through small group activities that build trust. 3. Interaction –?Encouraging active participation to move learners out of autopilot mode and reinforce experiential learning. ?? Key Takeaways: 1. Engagement starts with design –?Effective learning experiences are intentionally structured to sustain attention, foster connection, and encourage interaction. 2. Active learning improves retention –?Experiential and participatory methods are more effective than passive, lecture-based instruction. 3. Facilitators shape the learning environment –?Their energy, approach, and strategies significantly impact engagement and knowledge transfer. ? Participant Insights: Attendees of the Master Facilitator Certificate Program gained actionable techniques to enhance engagement in their own training environments. By integrating attention-grabbing methods, connection-building activities, and interactive learning, they are better equipped to create impactful educational experiences. ? ? ???How have you approached professional development in your role? Share your experiences and insights! ?? #MCCLFD #21stCenturyInstructors #FacilitatorFocus #Leadership #MarineTraining #USMC #TECOM #TrainingCommand #StudentCentric #ModernizedLearning